I was headhunted for a job in New York

[Mark R]

I was asked to do some DB admin/design work (which is not what I normally do), by an old friend who was now working as an investment broker.

I was told that when I came to the US, I'd have to tell immigration that I was here for a holiday and would be staying with friends.

I'd be paid a weekly wage in cash.

This from an investment company based on in the financial district of New York.

I dunno. Something in that job offer didn't seem quite so legit.

Did I make the right choice?

 

[Kelnoen]

sounds a bit fishy

 

[DrPizza]

I'd have to tell immigration that I was here for a holiday and would be staying with friends.

I'd be paid a weekly wage in cash.

Something in that job offer didn't seem quite so legit.

uhhh... Maybe you're not familiar with legitimate business practices in the U.S.: You aren't paid in cash.

 

[DaTT]

I would have taken it.

 

[stars]

Originally posted by: DaTT
I would have taken it.

Some of the better paying short term jobs I've taken have paid in cash.

 

[DrPizza]

Yeah, my reply makes it sound like it was a bad idea... It's not completely legit; but doesn't sound like a bad deal.

 

[yllus]

I wouldn't. In my mind the problem is if you're reliant on a dodgy immigration setup like that, the company has that over you. You decide you want to work elsewhere in the States and you're boned - or worse, they specifically try to bone you.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: Mark R
I was asked to do some DB admin/design work (which is not what I normally do), by an old friend who was now working as an investment broker.

I was told that when I came to the US, I'd have to tell immigration that I was here for a holiday and would be staying with friends.

I'd be paid a weekly wage in cash.

This from an investment company based on in the financial district of New York.

I dunno. Something in that job offer didn't seem quite so legit.

Did I make the right choice?

what's the name of the company?

 

[SoulAssassin]

It depends on how much cash, for something like that since you're not getting bennies or paying taxes (and neither are they) I would go for at least 25% over what you would normally ask for. Are they paying expenses as well? If it's a friend you trust I would say do it.

 

[Regs]

I guess if they hired you as an independent contractor and you filed for income taxes it would be legal. Though I find that would be hard to do with no SSN.

 

[skyking]

depends entirely on the friend. If you really trust the guy and have maintained a dialog through the years, then I'd consider it. They could have you over a barrel in so many ways, it is not remotely funny.

 

[shortylickens]

The only time I'd take cash for a job is daily labor (construction and such). Anything else sounds fishy.

 

[ngvepforever2]

Unless you come here with a work visa, working for somebody would be illegal (That's the reason why they'd pay you in cash so they don't have to report it).

You did well in turning it down.

Regards

ng

 

[RaistlinZ]

You should report this company to the local authorities, or the Better Business Bureau. I'm sure they'd love to know that this company is trying to hire illegal immigrants and paying them under the table.

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: Mark R
I was asked to do some DB admin/design work (which is not what I normally do), by an old friend who was now working as an investment broker.

I was told that when I came to the US, I'd have to tell immigration that I was here for a holiday and would be staying with friends.

I'd be paid a weekly wage in cash.

This from an investment company based on in the financial district of New York.

I dunno. Something in that job offer didn't seem quite so legit.

Did I make the right choice?

Headhunters are like car salesman. They get a commssion if you switch. They could care less about you if the fit is right. They just want you to switch. You're just a number to them. All they care about is churn rate.

PLUS, they can't guarantee you the job!! All they do is line up the interview(s). It's really like you applying for the job, just with them facilitating the interview appointments.

I have never witnessed a positive outcome between headhunters and great, top shelf employee candidates. They'll lie, manipulate and massage your ego.....all to dire, dissappointing time wasting results.

AVOID HEADHUNTERS LIKE THE PLAGUE.